Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around participants sharing their experiences and scores from the GRE Math Subject Test, specifically for the October 6, 2007 exam, as well as other months. Participants seek advice on how to interpret their scores, strategies for taking the test, and the scoring system used.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Participants inquire about the scoring system, specifically whether the test is out of 890 or 990, and what raw scores correspond to certain percentile ranks.
- Some participants mention that the GRE provides a scaling packet upon registration, with one noting that a 90th percentile score might be a raw score of 56 with 10 questions skipped.
- There is a suggestion that the scaling in the sample GRE may not reflect the actual test taken, with a comparison made to the physics GRE.
- One participant shares their experience of encountering a topic they were unfamiliar with, specifically complex variables, and discusses strategies for answering questions under time constraints.
- Another participant asks for advice on whether to skip questions they cannot solve or to guess, weighing the potential penalties for wrong answers against the benefits of correct guesses.
- Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of guessing, with one participant advising against blind guessing unless some answers can be eliminated.
- A participant shares their score of 770 (83%) and discusses their background in mathematics, suggesting that their limited knowledge in abstract algebra may have impacted their performance.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on test-taking strategies, particularly regarding guessing versus skipping questions. There is no consensus on the best approach, and various strategies are proposed and debated.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty about the scoring system and the implications of guessing on their scores. There are references to personal experiences and varying levels of familiarity with the test material, which may influence their perspectives.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals preparing for the GRE Math Subject Test, those interested in test-taking strategies, and students seeking insights into scoring and performance expectations may find this discussion beneficial.